Don’t Let Road Construction Do a Number on Your Vehicle

There’s always some kind of road construction going on in Amarillo, and with transportation officials announcing plans to work on the city traffic grid, we’ll likely see more construction projects begin over the course of 2015. While road construction will improve mobility and safety in the long term, in the short term, it can be tough on vehicles. Here are some tips on what to watch for when you’re frequently driving in work zones.

Symptoms of Road Damage

Loose stones and rough roads can harm your vehicle’s steering and suspension systems, and even throw out your alignment. Debris also has the potential to damage your vehicle’s exterior or windshield. The symptoms of steering and suspension or wheel alignment problems include:

Uneven tire wear

Pulling to one side

Noise and vibration while cornering

Loss of control

The main parts of the symptoms are shocks and/or struts, the steering knuckle, ball joints, the steering rack/box, bearings, seals or hub units and tie rod ends.

Check Your Steering & Suspension

Have your vehicle checked immediately if you notice any of the above symptoms, as steering and suspension systems are key safety-related components significantly affecting your car’s ride and handling. Regardless of road conditions, these systems should be checked annually and a wheel alignment should be performed at the same time.

Drivers should also do frequent visual checks of their vehicle’s exterior and windshield to identify any chips, dings, or cracks. While these may seem like small problems, they can become costly repairs and safety hazards if they aren’t taken care of right away.

Stay Safe with Timely Repairs

Even the most careful driver, traveling slowly and cautiously through a construction zone, can hit an unexpected bump or other hazard. If you experience a problem, bring your vehicle to Aardvark Automotive, and we’ll make sure you’re in good shape to get back on the road.